USCIS has received a high number of fee waiver requests that do not meet USCIS guidelines when submitted in connection with Form I-360 visa petition under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for Battered Spouse, Children & Parents, and Form I-914, Application for T Nonimmigrant Status and Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status, for Victims of Human Trafficking and Other Crimes.
Filing Fees
Forms I-360, I-914 and I-918 do not require a filing fee; however, other applications that are often filed in connection with these forms may require a fee. Examples of these forms include:
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, and
- Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant
Fee Waivers
Recognizing that some applicants cannot pay the filing fees, USCIS established a fee waiver process for certain forms and benefit types. USCIS will approve a fee waiver only if you clearly demonstrate that you are unable to pay the filing fees.
If you are filing an application in connection with the T, U and VAWA Humanitarian Programs that requires a fee but you cannot pay the fee, complete the most current version of Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver to request a fee waiver. Instead of Form I-912, USCIS will also accept a letter with all the necessary information that states your request for a fee waiver, includes all the necessary supporting evidence and is signed by everyone over 14 years old who is requesting the fee waiver.
For more information about our fee waiver policy, eligibility, frequently asked questions, and how to avoid common mistakes, please visit our website at www.uscis.gov/feewaiver.
We also want to remind the public about the risk of immigration scams. Visit the Avoid Scams Initiative at uscis.gov/avoidscams for more information on common scams and other important tips.
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